How Does Marlowe Use Syntax In Dr Faustus

In scene III of Dr. Faustus written by Christopher Marlowe, Marlowe uses powerful diction and shifting syntax to portray Faustus’ attitude toward his own self-image. This pattern of powerful diction and syntax changes suggests that Faustus’ attitude transitions from a powerful attitude, to an impotent attitude and back. In Faustus’ first encounter with Mephistopheles, Marlowe uses powerful diction to suggest that Faustus feels as if he is in command of the situation, and that he is all-powerful. At first when Mephistopheles appears as a devil, Faustus commands him to “change thy shape; thou art too ugly to attend on me” (26-27). Marlowe uses the phrase “attend on me” to portray how Faustus thinks he is powerful, and that he deserves the devil to show respect and appear in front of him looking attractive rather than ugly. Usually, a person with high power, such as a CEO of a large company, expects his/her staff members to be professionally dressed when appearing in front of them. By replacing a question mark with a period, Faustus has more power by not making this request a question, but a command, portraying how Faustus believes he is more powerful than Mephistopheles. When Mephistopheles reappears as a Friar, Faustus tell him, “I charge

Ignoring Mephistopheles’ warning, Faustus tells him “to give [him] whatsoever I shall ask, to tell [him] whatsoever I demand” (100-101). Marlowe’s use of the words “give” and “demand” portray Faustus’ power over Mephistopheles. Faustus expects Mephistopheles to follow his commands dignifying his attitude when he first encountered Mephistopheles. Faustus goes on to describe himself as the “Emperor of the world,” which suggests the idea that Faustus believes he is the most important individual in the world, over